MICHELIN-starred restaurant The Kitchin has been named the best in Scotland.

The Edinburgh eatery was also voted eighth in the top 100 best restaurants in the UK at the prestigious National Restaurant Awards 2012.

Its sister restaurant, Castle Terrace, was placed 34th in the top 100 at a ceremony in London on Monday night.

Tom Kitchin opened his michelin-starred restaurant in 2007

Chef Tom Kitchin – a MasterChef mentor – said: “It is incredible to be recognised alongside the country’s top restaurants and leading chefs. Being voted for by our industry peers is a tremendous compliment.

“The award is a true recognition of the hard work and passion from the entire team here at The Kitchin.

“In the past decade, Scotland’s reputation for producing the finest quality food and drink has grown significantly, putting Scottish restaurants, chefs and suppliers on the national culinary map.

“I firmly believe that Scotland’s natural larder is without a doubt one of the best in the world and I am incredibly proud to showcase the beautiful produce we have here.”

The Kitchin opened in 2007 and got its Michelin star after six months.